A compelling new exhibition in Delhi is shedding light on a powerful, yet often overlooked, tool of imperial control: photography. Featuring over 200 rare images, “The Colonial Gaze: Photography and the Classification of India” delves into how the nascent art form was instrumental in shaping and fixing identities across the subcontinent during British rule.
Visualizing Power and Order
The exhibition, hosted at the National Museum, presents a curated selection of photographs that served not merely as artistic expressions, but as instruments of governance. From meticulously staged portraits of officials and local elites to ethnographic studies of various communities, these images were deployed to categorize, understand, and ultimately, to rule.
Early colonial administrators recognized the potential of photography to create a visual taxonomy of India. By capturing individuals and groups, the British sought to impose order on a complex and diverse society. This process involved assigning fixed identities, often based on preconceived notions of race, caste, and occupation, which then informed administrative policies, legal frameworks, and social hierarchies.
From Ethnography to Administration
A significant portion of the exhibition focuses on ethnographic photography, where individuals were often posed in ways that reinforced colonial stereotypes. These images, while presented as objective documentation, were deeply embedded in the imperial project of defining “the other.” They were used to illustrate anthropological theories, justify discriminatory practices, and present a unified, albeit often distorted, picture of Indian society to a British audience.
Beyond ethnographic pursuits, photography played a crucial role in administrative functions. Official portraits of viceroys, governors, and other dignitaries projected an image of authority and permanence. Furthermore, photographs were used for identification purposes, in surveys, and even in the documentation of infrastructure projects, all contributing to the visual consolidation of British power.
A Legacy of the Lens
“The Colonial Gaze” offers a critical examination of how these early photographic practices have left an indelible mark on our understanding of colonial India. The exhibition prompts viewers to consider the power of images in constructing narratives and the lasting impact of visual classification on societal perceptions. By showcasing these rare and historically significant photographs, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to understand the intricate relationship between technology, art, and the exercise of imperial power.
